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Glite Dictionary
sonic delay line

sonic delay line

9.6
A device that delays a signal using the time sound takes to travel
  • noun
  • /ˈsɒnɪk dɪˈleɪ laɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : línea de retardo sónica
  • Engineers chose a sonic delay line to ensure the proper timing of the signals.

Examples

  • In the laboratory, the sonic delay line helped synchronize the audio recording.

  • Engineers often use a sonic delay line in sound systems.

  • The sonic delay line is commonly used in early analog signal processing.

  • The sonic delay line improved the audio quality significantly.

  • Engineers chose a sonic delay line to ensure proper timing of the audio signals in their project.

  • In the laboratory, the sonic delay line was essential for synchronizing multiple audio recordings accurately.

  • The sonic delay line plays a crucial role in analog signal processing by delaying signals for better output quality.

Synonyms

acoustic delay line
vssonic delay line
  • Archaic
8.8

A device that delays electrical signals by turning them into sound waves that travel and become electrical signals again

uses sound travel time directly through a medium to delay signals
delay line
vssonic delay line
  • Specialized
6.7

An electronic circuit that makes a signal arrive later by a certain amount of time

relies on sound travel time rather than general electronic delay methods
delayer
vssonic delay line
  • Specialized
7.6

A device that delays an electrical signal by a set amount of time

focuses on sound wave travel time not generic timing devices

Surface Forms

sonic delay line singular
sonic delay lines plural

Morphology

sonic + delay + line

The meaning is directly derivable from the parts: 'sonic' (sound-related) + 'delay' (postponement/latency) + 'line' (channel) yields a channel or device that delays sound. This is a regular compositional noun phrase and, despite being technical, a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Sonic delay line comes from a simple, literal image: sonic means sound and a line is a path, so a signal is sent as a sound wave down a tube or path so it takes time to travel. Because the sound must travel, the signal arrives later, so the device 'delays' a signal and the name now means a tool that makes a signal wait.